Sometimes a collection of smaller changes can add up to larger gains in performance. If you thought you’d have to spend more on a new server to see a big difference in speed, you might start by trying some of the following techniques before spending more for something you may not need.

Compress the Disk

In theory, compressing a disk makes it smaller and easier to work with. In the past this wasn’t always the case, but today compression has helped to streamline some functions. Compression can make the hard disk smaller and increase performance. Just remember that the compressed files must be decompressed to work. That means compression only works best for some servers, in particular those with a disk-intense application using lots of individual files.

Make Adjustments to the Response

Server Control Panel

The background of a server should take priority. It makes a great deal of sense to optimize the server so that the applications running in the background are enhanced. You can make these adjustments in the Server’s Control Panel in the Systems menu.

Defrag Your Disks

A hard drive can read information extremely well and very quickly when it is sequential. But when that data is spread across multiple places, things slow down. You can streamline information by defragmenting your harddrive to be sure your files are stored in sequence.

Use NTFS

Even through NTFS is the default system for a Windows server, you do have the option to use FAT or FAT-32 instead. Opt for the default system instead. Not only is NTFS more secure, it is also a transaction-based file system which makes it faster.

Skip 16-bit Apps

If you are trying to run a 16-bit application on your server, don’t. A 64-bit server won’t even run a 16-bit application, and a 32-bit server can make it happen, but not very well. If you want your server to be at peak performance levels, don’t use 16-bit applications.

Make Use of a Dedicated Drive

Windows creates a pagefile that is treated like a virtual memory. This file is used constantly, and sometimes Windows has to wait for another application to finish before it can read the pagefile data. You can solve this problem by simply placing the pagefile on a dedicated drive.

Patch Leaky Memory

If you are running a poorly written application, you may be wasting memory. Applications need memory, but will return the memory when a process is complete. An application with a memory leak will keep the memory and request more the next time it is used, never returning any. Hence a leaky memory.

Clear Unneeded Utilities

Clear Unneeded Utilities

If you don’t use it, why do you need it? If you are not using a particular utility like a log or monitor, don’t leave them installed on the server. Clear off the junk and don’t waste server resources on something that isn’t doing anything for you.

Disable Services

If you can’t uninstall software, you might still be able to disable it. In the Service Control Manager, disable the services you don’t need to do the job you’re trying to do. This will provide both a boost to performance and a boost to your security by closing potential loopholes.

Logoff

If you don’t need to stay logged on to your server, don’t stay logged on. Sign-off and the server will no longer need to process your user profile. That frees up resources to run other things. It also provides additional security for your server.

Finetune the Server

Finetune the Server

It is worthwhile to play in your server a bit to find the best combination of memory, RAM, cache and other resources. Just like you split test your website designs, try making small changes to how your server resources are being used until you find the right balance.

Sometimes the only way to get a tremendous leap in resources is to upgrade to a larger server. Other times, however, you can make some small changes that create the boost you need without having to pay more. For those looking to make the most out of what they have and stretch their funds, these small improvements can add up to big savings in the long run.

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